Indiana Careers
in Construction Association
The Indiana Careers in Construction Association (ICCA) represents more than 60 different construction apprenticeship training facilities throughout Indiana. The mission of the ICCA is to educate career bound and college bound Hoosiers about educational and career opportunities in the construction industry.
Apprenticeships
Interested in a career with the building trades? Visit the Built to Succeed website and complete an inquiry form for more information (the actual application process may vary by trade.)
There are many union building trades in Indiana to consider. All building trades in Indiana share the same basic entry requirements (listed below), however additional specialty requirements will vary by trade:
(1) Screening and evaluation
(2) Entry Level requirements:
– high school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly GED);
– valid Indiana driver’s license;
– mandatory drug screen; and,
– reliable transportation.
Training centers
career fairs
Ivy Tech Apprenticeship Programs
Registered Apprenticeship is an “earn and learn” model that combines on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction that increases an apprentice’s skill level and wages. Ivy Tech provides opportunities for fulfillment of both general education and technical courses, as well as assistance with job placement among Indiana employers.
Frequently asked questions
These programs are managed by Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) that consist of an equal number of contractors and union representatives. Through joint management, contractors and unions are able to adapt the curriculum and training to ensure the contractor’s workforce can meet the changing needs of the construction industry. This curriculum offers a unique educational opportunity in which students gain specific skills and knowledge needed for a trade (e.g. pipefitting, boilermaker or carpentry.) Training combines an average of 2,000 hours of on-the- job training hours plus 160 classroom hours per year.
Apprenticeships usually last four years, but may range from three to five years. In terms of time, it is the same investment as a college education. In terms of financial impact, it does not even compare. Tuition at a local state college averages $20,000 for a four-year degree. On the other hand, a typical apprentice entering the program will EARN $27,000 per year, plus health insurance and pension benefits. It’s the original earn while you learn program.
In joint apprenticeship programs, the only cost to the student is the price of the books, with no tuition fees. Apprenticeship programs in the union construction industry are unique because they are jointly funded by the unions and the contractors and therefore, translate into a FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP for students interested in a career in the union building trades. It is important to note no tax dollars are used to fund these apprenticeship programs.
Yes! The Indiana Union Construction Industry developed an initiative with Ivy Tech Community College that offers apprentices the opportunity to obtain an associates degree. In addition to the classroom training in the apprenticeship programs, apprentices take supplementary Ivy Tech courses to round out the degree.
The associates degree from Ivy Tech can be used as a foundation to pursue a bachelors’ degree, or even a master’s degree. A joint apprenticeship program is an excellent way of earning a college degree without
accumulating thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
The Indianapolis Star recently reported Indiana is below the national average (38.7 percent) and lowest in the Midwest in high educational attainment. Our State ranks 41st in the country in this arena. As
Indiana trails below the national average in college graduation rates, our state must focus on educational opportunities that can provide an immediate impact on the quality of life for Hoosiers. The
Indiana Union Construction Industry is one of those educational opportunities.
Today, there are over 4,000 union contractors employing more than 75,000 union tradesmen in the state of Indiana. Experts are predicting an expected shortage in construction workers over the next few years. Today’s apprentices will be rewarded with a wide variety of job opportunities.